Beech Tree News Network

Judge Tim Flener called the Butler County Fiscal Court to order on Monday, January 27. All members were present. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

The Court approved Sheriff Scottie Ward's purchase of a 2023 Ford Expedition to add to the current fleet.  Sheriff Ward estimates that his department will be transferring approximately $80,000 in additional tax revenue from his department back to the county.  This purchase will also allow his department to give the jail an additional truck.  The motion was made by Dillon Bryant and seconded by Stevie Givens.  The motion passed unanimously.

Sheriff Ward also requested permission from the courts to apply for a LEPP Homeland Security Grant.  The motion was made by David Whittinghill and seconded by Allen Smith.  The motion passed unanimously.  

Butler County Jailer Wayne Russ asked the Court to approve the purchase of 40 new mats for the jail at a cost of $65 per mat. The jail will use grant money to make this purchase. Dillon Bryant made the motion, which was seconded by Stevie Givens. The motion passed unanimously.

Pursuant to KRS 61.810 (f), Butler County Fiscal Court went into closed session.  The motion was made by Stevie Givens and seconded by David  Whittinghill.  The motion passed unanimously.   

Stevie Givens moved to return to open session, which was seconded by Allen Smith. The Court took no action.

County Clerk Sherry Johnson addressed the courts to discuss the $474.98 Hand and Eye Audit Grant her office received. This money was used for several different items, including a video camcorder, tripod, and election officer pay.

 Judge Flener reviewed the report submitted by Corey Raymer on the Recycling/Solid Waste Department's activities. Recent work included mowing, trash pickup, selling some recycling materials, eight dump cleanups, and collecting over 15,000 tires at the last County Cleanup Day.  

  EMA Program Funds FY2024:  The Court approved this Emergency Management Grant.  These funds pay the salary of Charlie Tomes, Director of Emergency Management.  A motion was made by Dillion Bryant and seconded by David Whittinghill.  The motion passed unanimously.  

 After a lengthy discussion, the Court voted to approve the purchase of the Mower Max with a 26ft. boom for $240,010.25 from ATMAX Equipment.   The motion was made by David Whittinghill and seconded by Allen Smith.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Dillion Bryant motioned for the Court to pay $100,000 cash on the mower and finance the balance for 5 years at Morgantown Bank and Trust.  Stevie Givens seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.   

  Allen Smith moved, seconded by David Whittinghill, to remove the old satellites in Rochester. The motion passed unanimously. 

  A motion was made by David Whittinghill and seconded by Stevie Givens to set the next County Clean Up Days for April 3, 4, and 5, 2025.  Hours will be from 7 am until 5 pm on the 3rd and 4th and 7 am until 12 pm on April 5.  The motion passed unanimously.

 The Court approved the signing of the Rescue Aid Grant.  The motion was made by Dillion Bryant and seconded by Allen Smith.  The motion passed unanimously.

The Court approved signing the Contract-Hazard Mitigation Grant Administration in partnership with BRADD.  A motion was made by David Whittinghill and seconded by Stevie Givens. The motion passed unanimously.

 Kevin Phelps made a motion to approve the MVFD Treasurer's Report.  Allen Smith seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Dillon Bryant made a motion to approve the 5th District VFD Treasurer's Report.  Kevin Phelps seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Allen Smith made a motion, seconded by Dillion Bryant, to surplus the red Chevy truck from the road department. The motion passed unanimously.

 A motion was made by  Stevie Givens and seconded by David Whittinghill to approve the transfer of $35,000 from the General Fund to the Jail Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

 Kevin Phelps made a motion, seconded by Stevie Givens, to approve the Bills and Transfers. The motion passed unanimously.

  A motion was made by Stevie Givens and seconded by David Whittinghill to adjourn the meeting.  The motion passed unanimously.